Summer is an excellent time to visit the charming coastal town of Portovenere and its beautiful neighbors in the province of La Spezia, especially for travellers looking for more tranquil destinations on the Italian Riviera. From cultural festivals to outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone to enjoy during this season!
Check out some of the most exciting events in summer 2025 between Portovenere and the province of La Spezia.
Live music: aperitif, dinner, experience
Portovenere – from 8 June to 5 September 2025
Venus Bar and Palmaria Restaurant host various live music evenings with great artists and musicians throughout the summer. The concerts occur on Portovenere’s most beautiful terrace overlooking the harbor, Doria Castle and Palmaria Island. You can enjoy the music and views while sipping original cocktails and excellent wines and tasting local delicacies during the aperitivo or for dinner.
Prepalio
Gulf Of La Spezia – from 4 May to 27 July 2025
Different hamlets and fractions along the Gulf of Poets host the smaller regattas in preparation for the great Palio Del Golfo in August: Canaletto (4 May), Portovenere (11 May), Tellaro (25 May), La Spezia (8 June), Lerici (15 June), Cadimare (29 June), San Terenzo (6 July), Venere Azzurra (20 July), Le Grazie (27 July).
Lighthouse Contemporary 2025
Lerici – from 7 June to 27 July 2025
The San Giorgio Castle in Lerici hosts the exhibition “Il Faro dell’Arte Contemporanea – Lighthouse Contemporary”. This is an exhibition project specifically designed for the spaces of the Castello di Lerici and conceived as a compass to orient oneself among the new routes, like cardinal points, of contemporary art. More information here.
Festa della Borgata Le Grazie
Le Grazie (Portovenere) – from 13 to 15 June 2025 and from 25 to 27 July 2025
Food festival, music and entertainment!
Festa della Borgata di Fezzano
Fezzano (Portovenere) – from 20 to 24 June 2025 and from 11 to 13 July 2025
Food festival, music and entertainment!
Salting of Anchovies
Le Grazie (Portovenere) – 19 July 2025
Le Grazie hosts workshops to learn about one of the most ancient traditions of the local territory: salting anchovies!
Lerici Music Festival
Lerici – from 24 July to 4 August 2025
A classical music festival founded in 2017 by Gianluca Marcianò, the event’s artistic director. Read more here.
Festival Internazionale del Jazz La Spezia
La Spezia – from 13 to 25 July 2025
The longest-running Italian jazz festival, directed by Maestro Lorenzo Cimino. Read more about the Spezia Jazz here.
Coppa Byron
Portovenere and Lerici – 27 July 2025
This swimming race pays tribute to the story of Lord George Byron swimming from Porto Venere to San Terenzo to visit his friend Percy Bysshe Shelley. Competitors swim across the Gulf of Poets for about 8 kilometers, departing from Portovenere and arriving in Lerici.
Palio del Golfo
La Spezia – 3 August 2025
This historic race reaches its 100th edition! The regatta is among 13 handmade boats, each representing a village located on the bay: Portovenere, Le Grazie, Fezzano, Cadimare, Marola, La Spezia Centro, Canaletto, Fossamastra, Muggiano, San Terenzo, Venere Azzurra, Lerici and Tellaro. Read more about the Palio del Golfo regatta here.
Madonna Bianca
Portovenere – 17 August 2025
The village celebrates its Patron Saint. The Roman torches scattered throughout Portovenere create a splendid and unique show! Read more about the White Madonna event here.
Festival della Mente a Sarzana
Sarzana – from 29 to 31 August 2025
The first European festival dedicated to creativity and the birth of ideas takes place in the imposing fortress of Firmafede and other venues in the historic village of Sarzana. Learn more on the website of Festival Della Mente.
Useful resources for more events and information:
eventiportovenere.com
lericicoast.it
